idiom

An idiom is a common phrase or expression whose meaning is not literal but understood culturally or contextually. For example, "breaking the ice" doesn't mean literally breaking ice but refers to easing social tension. Idioms add color and personality to language and often have origins rooted in history, culture, or tradition. They help convey ideas more vividly and efficiently, but their meanings can't be deduced just by understanding the individual words. Recognizing idioms enhances comprehension and communication, especially in spoken language or literature, by capturing shared wisdom or common experiences in a compact form.